POLK COUNTY occupies the extreme southeastern portion of the State, and includes
an area of 400 square miles. About three-fourths of the coul1ty lies in the
Chilhowee
and Unaka Mountains, which abound in rich veins of iron and copper ores, with
smaller
quantities of gold and silver. The iron, being so remote from railroads, has
never
been mined, but with better transportation facilities it will make the county
one of the
richest in the State. Besides the minerals mentioned, there are large deposits
of marble,
talc, mica and ocre.

The best land for agricultural purposes is found in the western portion of the
county
and along the rivers and creeks. The Ocoee and Hiwassee Rivers traverse the
county,
running in a course a little north of east, and divide it into three very nearly
equal parts.
They unite about one mile from the west line of the county. The Conasauga River,
in
the southwestern portion of the county, belongs to the Gulf system. These
streams, with
their tributaries, furnish an abundance of water.

The territory now embraced in Polk County. with the exception of a small part
north
of the Hiwassee River, was formerly a part of Ocoee District, and was mainly
settled
after 1836. The first village established in this territory was Columbus,
situated on the
north bank of the Hiwassee River. about four miles north of the present town of
Benton.
It was on the old Federal road, running from Knoxville, by the way of Maryville
to Cassville, Ga. Over this road stock from Kentucky and southwestern Virginia
was
driven to the Southern markets, and during the fall and winter seasons immense
droves of
hogs. mules and cattle followed each other in close succession. Stands, at which
drovers camped for the night, were established at convenient distances, usually about
eight miles
apart. The site of Benton, known as the " four mile stand," was first occupied
by James
Lindner, who, with his Cherokee wife, lived in a double log cabin. Levi Bailey,
his
brother-in-law, also resided in the vicinity. In 1838 Lindner sold out to James
McKamy,
who continued to keep the stand until after the town was laid out.

Among the first settlers of the county were William M. Biggs, Abraham Lillard,
Nelson Lawson, Thomas Jones, R. W. McClary, Erby Boyd, John N. Taylor, Travis
Rodgers, William Higgins, Michael Hilderbrand and A. R. Stephenson. The early
settlers
were nearly all remarkable for their great size and strength, and some of them
were conspicuous in the numerous free fights which
attended militia muster, political speakings
and court days. Among these latter were Abraham McKissick, Erby Boyd, Joseph
Blanton, Thomas Crawford, Bert Sylcox and John F. Hannah.

The first store in Benton was opened by Jonas Hoyl, who continued in business
for
several years. Samuel M. Reid, Albert and Brazeale Blair. and WillIam B. and
Isaac W. Reynolds, were also early merchants. D. C. Haskins. W. P. Cooper and J.
C. Donaldson, Knox & Boyd, Mass & McKamy. 0'Neal & Hood, M. B. Grady, Joseph Fetzer, J.
W. Hilderbrand, Denton & McClary and Greenlee & Marshall were also in business
there
before the war. The town was most prosperous about 1850. The completion of the
East Tennessee & Georgia Railroad took away most of its trade, and since the
suspension of the copper mining it has still further declined. The present business men of the town
are Rymer & Clemmer, Lillard & Son and J. E. Taylor. A grist-mill and cotton-gin are owned
by
Rogers & Johnston. The first hotel in the town was kept by Commodore White. He
was
succeeded by Samuel J. Rowan. Later J. Q. A. Lewis and a Mr. Higgins kept
houses of
Entertainment. The present hotel is conducted by J. L. McClary. The first
physicians
in the town were J. H. Stuart and Robert N. Fleming, the latter of whom is still
engaged in practice. Dr. J. C. C. Garner has also practiced medicine in Benton for
about twelve
years.

In 1844 Ocoee Academy was established with Robert W. McClary, James McKamy,
W. W. Henry, A. Lillard and W. E. McConnell as trustees. It was conducted as a
boy's
school until. the war, since which time it has been occupied by a mixed
school. For a few
years previous to 1860, it was under the management of Rev. J. L. Milburn, and
was very
prosperous. The present teacher is T. L. Arnwine, a graduate of Emory and
Henry College. About 1850 a female school was established in a brick building in the
north part of
town. It was continued for several years, but has now been abandoned and the
property sold.

The first church in the county, known as the Four Mile Church was organized
about 1887 by the Baptists, who rented a house one-half a mile east of Benton.
The Baptists were then the most numerous of any denomination in the county, and
the congregation which assembled at this church were very large. Later the
Methodists, assisted by
the Presbyterians, built a brick house in the town, and both denominations have
since continued to occupy the house. A third church was erected by the Cumberland
Presbyterians a few years before the war. The first minister of this church was
Houston Henry.
He was succeeded by J. L. Milburn. The first Baptist preachers were Jason
Matlock and
Zachariah Rose; the first Presbyterian was John N. Blackburn.

As has been stated, Columbus was established some time in the twenties, and
prior
to the location of Benton was a place of considerable importance. Among the
merchants who did business there were S. M. Reid. John White, William and John
Shields, Samuel McConnell, Pearson & Bro. and John Shamblin. This town has longsince disappeared.

In 1850 copper in large quantities was discovered in the eastern portion of the
county,
and during, the next four years several mines were opened. The principal ones
were the
Burra Burra, Hiwassee, Old Tennessee, Cherokee, Mobile, Polk County, Copper
Hill,
Culchota, Eureka, London, Isabella, Mary and East Tennessee. For some time no
smelting was done at the mines. The ore was hauled in wagons to Cleveland, and
shipped by rail to New York. but after a time smelting works were erected.
During the
war operations were suspended bu\t were resumed at its close by the Union
Consolidated
Mining Company, which continued until 1878. At that time wood, which was the
only
fuel, had become so scarce as to render smelting unprofitable, and the business
was suspended. When better transportation facilities have been secured, these mines
will again become a source of great profit, both to owners and to the county.

The act to erect a new county from portions of Bradley and McMinn Counties, to
be named Polk County in honor of James K. Polk, was passed on November 28, 1889.
John Towns, Jonas Hoyl, James Hawkins, Andrew Stevenson, Erby Boyd, John Williams,
Allen Armstrong, Thomas Harper and John F. Hannah, were appointed commissioners
to hold an election for a county seat, and to superintend the erection of county
buildings. Five places were presented to them as eligible sites for the seat of justice.
They were
Hildebrand's, Ferguson's, McKamy's, Johnston's and at the ferry opposite
Columbus. They chose McKamy's and Ferguson's as the two most eligible sites, and these
were
presented to the people at an election held on February 8, 1840. McKamy's
received a
majority of 103 votes, and the town was soon after laid out by John F. Hannah.
The. lots, numbering 223, were sold at auction during the second week of April, for
an aggregate of $11,386, only a portion of which was ever received by the county. The
county
court was organized at Columbus. on May 4, 1840, by the following justices: R.
H. McConnell, Sylvester BlackwelI, Z. Rose, Stephen Blankenship, John Williams, R.
Horn,
A. R. Stevenson, W. W. Henry, William Wiggins, A. McKissick, A. Taylor, B.
Ellis,
J. H. Witt, James Ainsworth, L. L. Thruwitt, John Cannon and John Davis. At the
next term of the court the county commissioners were ordered to erect a
temporary courthouse in Benton, and at the August term it was occupied. It was a frame building
20x30
feet, and stood on the public square, just north of the present courthouse. Soon
after a
brick jail twenty-two feet square, and lined with heavy timbers was erected. The
principal cell was in the lower story, and ,vas reached through a trap door in the
floor of the
upper story. A debtor's room was also constructed in the upper story. The
present
jail was erected upon the present site in 1871. The present brick courthouse
was begun
in 1843, and completed during the following year. In 1846 a poor farm,
consisting of 115
acres, and located in the Third District was purchased, and R. Thompson, R. H.
McConnell and A. R. Stephenson were appointed the first commissioners. It has
since
been maintained as an asylum for the poor.

The following have been the officers of Polk County since its organization:

The circuit court of Benton County was organized at Columbus by Judge Keith,
June 8, 1840, at which time H. H. Stephens, Levi Trewhitt, S. Frazier, S. T.
Bicknell and
J. T. Coffee were admitted to practice law. The first grand jury was composed
of the
following men: H. Bradford. R. W. McClary, Jeremiah Lillard, J. S. O'Neal, N.
Lawson,James McCarney, A. W. Hagler, S. Blankenship, W. Caruth, A. Taylor, A. R.
Stephenson,
M. Harper, A. Copelin. The first indictment was found against H. Conner for an
assault
and battery upon John Weaver. He was found guilty and fined $5 and costs. A
very
large number of similar cases occupied the greater part or the attention or the
court for
the first few years. The first indictment for a felony was found against M. and
a. Brooks
at the February term, 1842. They were charged with having broken into the store
of Samuel M. Reid and stolen some goods. Both were found guilty, and the jury
fixed the penalty at one year's imprisonment in the penitentiary, but recommended them to the
mercy
of the court, who commuted the sentence to two months' imprisonment in the
county jail.
The chancery court was not organized until February, 1852. April 28, 1873, a
law court
was organized at Ducktown for the Seventh, Eighth and Tenth Civil Districts by
Judge
Hoyl. It was continued until 1878, when it was abolished.

The first lawyers to locate in Benton were Thomas and Columbus Taylor, who
remained until 1850, when they removed to Texas. At about the same time James
R,
Buchanan, a Universalist preacher, began the practice of law there. He also
removed about 1850 to Arkansas, where he was afterward convicted of forging land
warrants and
was sent to the penitentiary, John B. and Levi Hoyl were engaged in the practice
of law
at Benton for five years succeeding 1850. The former, in 1870, was elected judge
of the
circuit court, and continued upon the bench for eight years. J. G. Stuart began
practice in 1853, and continued to reside in Benton until 1883; then he removed to
Cleveland. A
year or two later P. B, Mayfield, now one of the leading members of the
Cleveland bar ,
was admitted to practice. He remained at Benton unti11868. The present members
of
the profession in Polk County are W, F and W. H. Wimberly and John C.
Williamson, all of whom reside in the country.

Polk Biographies

Thomas J. Boyd, a well known and enterprising farmer, was
born in Monroe county, Tenn., March 18, 1829, a son of Erby and Jennie
(Cooper) Boyd. The father was for a number of years a prominent and
influential citizen of Polk County. Our subject is one of a large family of
children. He received a liberal education in Polk County, and began life as a
farmer. For some time he was engaged in live stock trade South, and made three
prospecting tours west of the Mississippi River. In 1859 he purchased and
settled on the place where he now lives, and since that time has given his
attention exclusively to agricultural pursuits. He is a man of energy and
ability. He has been unusually successful in all his undertakings, and now owns
about 960 acres of valuable land, and improved property in Cleveland. He is a
firm Democrat, and although not connected with any church believes in the Bible
and Presbyterian faith. October 10, 1877, he married Miss Lizzie B.,
daughter of Caswell and Elizabeth B. J. Lea (deceased). Mrs. Boyd was
born in Cleveland Jul 24, 1854. She is an accomplished woman, and a member of
the Presbyterian Church. To this union four sons have been born: Thomas L.,
born October 21, 1878; James P., born April 8, 1882, George E.,
born February 6, 1884, and died October 15, 1885; John B., born July
16, 1886.

Simeon E. Browder, a prominent citizen of the Fourth
District, was born January 24, 1813, in Roane (now Loudon) County, Tenn. He is
the eldest and only surviving child of Joseph and Nancy Browder. The
father was of Irish descent, born about 1791 in North Carolina. He came to Roane
County with his parents when nine years of age. There he married, and moved to
McMinn County where he was a successful farmer. He was a Whig, and after the war
a Democrat. He died February 17, 1863. His wife was born in Jefferson County,
Tennessee, about 1791, and departed this life August 20, 1840. Our subject, by his
own exertions and observations, has received a thorough education. For several
years he worked on his father's farm. October 14, 1842, he married Miss Mary
H. Walber, who was born in Monroe County in 1826, and died in Polk County
November 8, 1846, leaving one son, who is now a merchant and the postmaster at
Conasauga, Polk County. November 15, 1847, our subject married Miss Orpha A.
Love, a native of Monroe County, born in 1828, and died in Polk County
August 19, 1868. To this union ten children were born: John F., Laura Co.,
Viana M., Thomas A., Charles A., and Simeon E. Those deceased are Mary E.,
James R., George S. and Julia M. August 30, 1871, Mr. Browder was united in
marriage to Harriet M., widow of A. P. McClary, and daughter of
John and Elizabeth Shamblin. Mrs. Browder was born in McMinn County in 1833,
and died April 27, 1885, leaving two children: Alice S. and Cora S. In
1864, Mr. Browder was elected by the Republican party to represent Bradley and
Polk Counties in the State Legislature. He is a stanch Republican, has always
been an honest, energetic man, and has amassed considerable means and real
estate. He owns a fine farm upon which he now resides. It contains about 800
acres, and about 540 acres not connected with the farm.

Joseph Madison Copeland, a well known farmer of
the Third District, was born near Athens, McMinn Co. Tenn., December 19, 1828, a
son of John and Juda (Chapman) Copeland. The father was of
Scotch-Irish descent, born December 22, 1796, in Spartanburg District, South
Carolina. He came to Tennessee about 1822 or 1823, settling in McMinn County,
where he resided until a year previous to his death, when he moved to Polk
County. He had a good education. When you he was poor, but became a very
prosperous farmer. He was a Whig before the war, and a member of the Missionary
Baptist Church. His death occurred at his son's home January 15, 1878. His wife
was of English extraction, born in Virginia in June, 1798, and married December
31, 1819. She became the mother of ten children, J. M. being the the fifth. She
was a devout member of the Missionary Baptist church more than forty years, and
died in McMinn County July 33, 1873. Our subject received such education as the
schools of that day afforded. He worked on his father's farm until his majority'
he then hired to a farmer for one year at $7.50 per month. He and his brother
then immigrated to Arkansas. They became dissatisfied, and fifteen months later
(in 1852) they went to California, where for three years they raised vegetables
for miners. They then returned to Polk County, and purchased two quarter
sections of land, where they resided until the spring of 1861, when our subject
then enlisted in the Confederate service, Fifth Tennessee Cavalry, under Capt.
McClary. After two years of faithful service he returned home, and settled at
his present place of residence, which had been added to their first purchase. he
now owns 230 acres, the fruits of industry and judicious management. December
25, 1864, he wedded Miss Mary J., a native of Polk County, and
the daughter of John B. and Eurah Coxsey, who was born February
4, 1845, and died March 31, 1886. She was highly educated, and a member of the
Baptist Church as Mr. Copeland also is. He is a firm Democrat, and a worthy
respected citizen.

Dr. Warren Copeland, a prominent practicing
physician of the Third District, was born December 27, 1835, near Athens, McMinn
Co., Tenn. He is the ninth of ten children born to John and Juda
(Chapman) Copeland. Our subject received the principal portion of his
education by the light of a pine know, after the day's work. He attended school
at Benton and Zion Hill. He has always been a close and steady reader. He worked
on his father's farm until his majority. After teaching in school in McMinn and
Polk counties for three years, he began the study of medicine under direction of
Dr.. Pendergrass, on Cookson Creek, Polk County. He attended the
Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Penn., and then returned to Polk
county, his present location. During the winter of 1861-62 he was forced to
enlist in the Confederate Army, of the Fifth Tennessee, under Capt. McClary. For
six weeks he waited on the sick and wounded. He then went home, and was elected
by the Union party as representative to the session which convened just proper to
the close of the war. After the first session he resigned and returned home. He
has an extensive and lucrative practice, and is very popular. He served two
years as superintendent of public instruction. He is an active member of the
Missionary Baptist Church, a Master Mason, a Knight of Honor, and a Republican.
February 24, 1863, he married Onie, the widow of Dr. N.
Pendergrass, and daughter of R. W. and Polly McClary.
Mrs. Copeland was born in McMinn County March 12, 1833. She is also connected
with the Missionary Baptist church and of high literary accomplishments. By this
union, there are living Onie, R. Meigs, J. Velpeau and F. Da Costa.
Those deceased are George P., J. Agnew, Clara, Md. Boivin and Alice.

Napolean B. Dunn was born in Georgia, in Forsyth County,
March 18, 1845, the son of Ezekiel H. and Eliza (Cameron nee
Dacus) Dunn. The father was of Irish descent, and the mother of
Dutch-Irish descent. The father was a native of South Carolina and was born in
Greenville County about 1815, and died in Polk County, Tenn., November 18, 1863.
the mother was born in what at the time of her birth was Newton (but now Walton
Co. Ga., in November 1810, and died in Polk County, August 15, 1884. The parents
were married in Forsyth County, Ga., about 1841, and lived there after their
marriage about four years, then immigrated to Polk County, Tenn., where they
died. The father was a merchant, farmer and trader, was a decided Democrat, and
was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The mother was a member of
the same church. Our subject is one of a family of seven children. He secured a
good education in youth. In the spring of 1863 he entered the Confederate States
Army, enlisting in Company C, First Tennessee Regiment. John Carter
was colonel of the regiment, which was received into Vaughn's Brigade.
He served with credit the remainder of the war, and took part in numerous
skirmishes and battles. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Piedmont, Va.,
and in the early part of 1864 he was captured near Dalton, Ga., but soon escaped
and rejoined his old command. He returned home in the spring of 1865, and worked
the remainder of that year on the farm, for wages, for one Joseph
Hackney. The next year he commenced to farm on his own resources, and
has thus continued since. He owns a one-third interest in two farms, one of 840
acres and the other of 400, and each has a watermill on the Conasauga Creek. For
the last ten years he has rented the Savannah farm belonging to G. P.
Wetmore, governor of Rhode Island, of 900 acres. He has been married
twice, to two sisters, daughters of John A. Gouldy
(deceased)-first to Miss Tinie June 13, 1871. She was born
January 31, 1851, and died July 15, 1883. November 5, 1885, he married
Miss Allie, who was born October 15, 1859. She is still living and
presides over his hospitable home. He has six children by his first wife-five
sons and one daughter-and no children by his second wife. Our subject is a
Democrat, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

George W. Fetzer, a well known and enterprising merchant of
the Third District, was born January 5, 1849, near his present location. He is
the eldest of four children born to B. H. and Margaret Fetzer.
The father was born January 30, 1828, in Monroe County, Tenn., and came with his
father to Polk County, at an early day, while Indians were a portion of the
inhabitants. He is a man of good education, and prosperous farmer, and an active
member of the Baptist Church. He was a Democrat previous to the war, but now
officiates with the Republican party. His wife was born in Monroe County, May
23, 1826, and died in Polk County August 9, 1856. He was an intelligent
Christian woman, and belonged to the Baptist Church. Our subject received an
excellent education at the Cookson Creek Academy. He purchase the farm upon
which he now lives, and a gave his attention to agriculture. In 1881 he was
elected justice of the peace to fill the unexpired term of E. Davis,
and the following year was re-elected. In August, 1883, he embarked in mercantile
business at Fetzerton, Polk county, and shortly afterward was appointed
Postmaster. He has a first-class tock of goods and a liberal patronage; also
owns 164 acres of good land. he began as a poor man, but industry and energy have
placed him in comfortable circumstances. he is a worthy citizen, and much
respected. He is an Independent in politics. December 26, 1872, he wedded
Miss Amanda Jane, daughter of N. L. and Elizabeth Fouts, who
was born in Polk County, 1853. Six children were born in this union:
Noah B., Margaret M., Florcence V., George F., Sarah J. and Mary J.
(who died at the age of three years). Mr. and Mrs. Fetzer are members of the
Baptist Church.

Dr. Robert N. Fleming, a prominent practicing
physician of Benton, was born Dec. 16, 1811, in Rowan County, N. C., where his
parents also were born. They were Samuel & Mary (Foster) Fleming. The father was
born September 12, 1779, and came to Tennessee about 1821. He was a successful
millwright, and a Democrat. He died in Polk County, March 5, 1804. The mother
was born October 9, 1779, and died in her native county, June 10, 1821. Both
were members of the Episcopal Church. They had six children, of whom our subject
is second. His mother died when he was nine years old. His education was
principally received at Maryville College, Blount County. He has always been a
steady and careful student, and is one of the most learned and highly cultured
men in Polk or the adjoining counties. In 1828, he went to Sullivan County,
Tenn., and remained there three years. After a short sojourn in Virginia, he
returned to Sullivan County, whence he went to Knox County, then to Blount
County, where he attended school. After spending some time in Roane, Blount,
Knox, and Anderson Counties, he came, in 1842, to Polk County, where he has
since resided. During his travels in the State he was engaged in teaching. While
in Anderson County, he read medicine, and though he has never attended a course
of lectures, there is not a more skillful nor able physician than our subject.
January 12, 1843, he married Miss Mary J. Smith, of Knox county. Two children
were born to this union. Mrs. Fleming and both daughters are members of the
Methodist Church. The Doctor belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and is a
Republican.

William M. Gamble, a well and favorably known
resident of the First District of Polk County, Tenn. was born in Roane County,
Tenn., October 11, 1922, a son of James and Ann (Dickey) Gamble. Both parents
were of Irish descent and natives of North Carolina. The father was born in
April 1793, and married in 1818. He was a mechanic and farmer, and owned
considerable property before the late war. He died in Chattanooga, Tenn., in
January 1875. The mother was born in January 1800, and died in Roane County,
Tenn., in January 1849. Both were consistent members of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. Our subject received a good practical education at Hiwassee
College, Monroe County, Tenn. He came to Polk County in 1851, about the time the
copper mines were being opened up, and served as county surveyor several years,
since which time he has made farming his principal vocation. January 12, 1868,
he married Miss Margaret Denton, daughter of James and Mary Denton (deceased).
Mrs. Gamble was born in Polk County, near Benton, February 18, 1848. She is an
excellent and cultured lady, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
South. She is the mother of six sons and five daughters, of whom three are dead.
Mr. Gamble has been a steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church South for the
past ten or twelve years. He is a staunch Republican.

Dr. John C. G. Garner, an eminent practicing
physician of Benton, was born November 15, 1834, in Lumpkin County. Ga. His
parents were Vinson and Mary M. (Wood) Garner, both natives of South Carolina.
The father was born in Pendleton District, December 30, 1809, and was married at
Gainesville, Hall Co, Ga., in 1827. He was a farmer. and at one time engaged in
the mining business in Lumpkin County, Ga. He was a stanch Democrat and an
admirer of John C. Calhoun. He died in St. Clair County, Ala., November 3, 1884.
His wife was born in the Spartanburg District in 1806, and died in Jefferson
County, Ala., near Birmingham, August 13, 1857. Both were members of the
Missionary Baptist Church, and the parents of six children, of which John C. C.
is the third. By his own efforts our subject secured a liberal education in the
high school in McMinn County. At the age of 15 he went to Nashville, and for
four years worked at the cabinet maker's trade. In 1854, he went to Chattanooga,
working at the same trade for three years. From 1859 to 1860 he was engaged as a
journeyman in Columbus and Graysville, Ga. He returned to McMinn County, and
attended high school at Mount Harmony one year. In the summer of 1861 he went to
Madisonville, Monroe County, and for several months read medicine under Dr.
Joseph Upton. The fall of the same year he entered the medical department of the
University O Nashville, returning to Madisonville at the close of the sessions.
In June, 1862, he entered the Confederate Army, enlisting in Company D,
Sixty-second Tennessee Infantry, under Col. John A. Rowan. At the organization
of the regiment, our subject was made hospital steward, serving as such until
January 1863, at which time he was promoted to assistant surgeon. The following
March the surgeon resigned, and our subject filled his position until January
1865. He was captured and paroled at Vicksburg, in 1863 and exchanged in
September 1864, and immediately re-entered the service. By an act of the
Confederate Congress, which provided for the completion of the education of the
medical under-graduates at the University of Virginia, Dr. Garner entered that
college March 1, 1865, and remained until the close of the war., when he
returned to Madisonville, and practiced one year. In the spring of 1866, he
moved to Benton. In October 1880, he attended a course of lectures at the
medical college of Ohio, where he received his diploma in March, 1881. January
30, 1868, he married Miss Texanna L. Ballew, a cultured lady of Athens, McMinn
County, born May 22, 1845. Six sons and two daughters were the fruits of this
union. One son is dead. Mrs. Garner's father, William H Ballew, was for many
years a prominent citizen of Athens. Dr. Garner is a stanch Democrat.

William W. Howard, William W. Howard was born
in Wilkes County, NC (now called Caldwell County), December 2, 1814, and is the
son of George S and Elizabeth (Jones) Howard. The father was of Irish descent,
and was born near Baltimore, Md. in 1770, and died in Blount County, Tennessee.,
August 3, 1840. He was a successful farmer and a prominent citizen. He came to
North Carolina when an infant, with his parents, and remained until his death.
He was a member of the Baptist Church, and was a Democrat. The mother was born
in Wilkes County, NC (now Caldwell County, NC), in 1780, and died in Blount
County in April 1857. Our subject was the eighth of eleven children. He received
a good education by his own exertions, and lived with his mother until his
marriage October 15, 1846, with Martha A Hardin, who was born in North Carolina
September 4, 1828, and died in Blount County, Tenn., June 12, 1864. She was a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and was the daughter of John P.
and Naomi Hardin. This union resulted in the birth of five children, three of
them are now living: John H., William D., and James P; those dead are Mary N.,
who was born August 5, 1847, and died August 2, 1881, and Joseph S., born August
16, 1857, and died June 13, 1882. February 3, 1876, our subject married Miss
Nancy M. Smith, who was born in McMinn County, Tenn., March 23, 1836. She is the
daughter of Isaac and Mary E. Smith. She is a member of the Baptist Church. Our
subject, when first married, moved to Bradley County, Tenn., and purchased 400
acres of land on Kansas Creek, and after 10 years went to his present location,
and purchased 300 acres of land, then sold his property in Bradley County. In
connection with the farm he is also engaged in milling. In 1883 he built a saw
mill and cotton-gin. He is noted for industry, honesty, and good judgment.
Though not a member of any church, he is a firm believer in the teachings of the
Bible. He is a Democrat.

Joel P. Johnson, a prosperous planter of Polk
County, and a resident of the First District, was born March 9, 1829, in Monroe
County, Tenn. He is a son of Louis and Catherine (Pennington) Johnson, both
natives of North Carolina. The father was born in Wilkes County, in 1799, a son
of William Johnson, a native of Wilkes County, NC, who spent his last days in
Tennessee, and a grandson of an Englishman, who came to America and located in
Wilkes County, where he died. Louis Johnson is now in his eighty-eighth year. He
is a farmer, is rather independent in politics, but somewhat of a Democrat, and
an esteemed member of the Missionary Baptist Church, to which his wife also
belonged. She was born in Ashe County, NC, in 1805, and died August 1866, in
Monroe County, where all her married life was passed. She was a daughter of
William Pennington, a native of North Carolina, who came to Monroe County, where
he died. Her grandfather was an Englishman. Our subject is the fourth of nine
children. he received an excellent education at the Hiwassee College, in his
native county. In the fall of 1865 he moved to Greene County where, for three
years, he was engaged in farming. August 20, 1865, he married Miss Sally
Maloney, a native of the county. She was born October 27, 1844, and died
December 24, 1867, and was the mother of one child, a son. In January 1869, Mr.
Johnson returned to Monroe County. In the fall of the same year he went to
Loudon, where, in partnership with his two brothers, E. C. and J. R., he
established a general merchandise store. In February 1871, he came to Polk
County, purchased, and settled in the place where he now resides. Since that
time he has given his attention exclusively to farming. He now owns 530 acres of
fine land in the county. He is an active and industrious man, a member of the
Missionary Baptist Church, and a Democrat. In August 1872, he wedded an
excellent lady, a native of Monroe County, born April 17, 1845. She has borne
him four sons and two daughters. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church.

W. S. Kimbrough was born near Dandridge,
Jefferson Co., Tennessee, May 28, 1828, and is the son of Isaac and Mary (Randolph)
Kimbrough. The father was born near New Market, Jefferson Co., Tenn., April 26,
1788, and died in Polk County, Tenn., February 3, 1868. He was a very successful
and noted preacher of the Missionary Baptist Church, and rode as a missionary in
East Tennessee and west North Carolina for several years. He was a great reader,
and a thorough theological student. He came to Polk County, Tenn., in 1849, and
settled on the farm on which his son, our subject, now lives. He was a Democrat.
The mother's ancestors came from England. She was born in Jefferson County,
Tenn., January 15, 1792, and died in Polk County, Tenn., January 20, 1860. She
was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Our subject was the tenth of
thirteen children. He secured a liberal education in Jefferson County, and has
since been a close student. December 26, 1850, he married Miss Mary Thornburgh,
who was born near New Market, and was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.
She was the daughter of Nimrod and Sarah Thornburgh. This marriage resulted in
the birth of two children, both living: Elvira J and Sarah E... March 22, 1874,
our subject married Mary E. Ferguson, who was born in Polk County, Tenn., June
26, 1840, and died in Polk County, May 3, 1883. She was educated at Benton, Polk
Co., Tenn. She was the daughter of M. E. and Jane Ferguson. By this union there
are two children, both living: Laura A. and Susan J. .. February 20, 1884, our
subject married Louisa J. Lawson, who was born in Polk County, Tenn., February
28, 1854. She was well educated and was a teacher, and was married, after school
hours, having the scholars for witnesses. She is the daughter of James and
Elizabeth Lawson. Our subject now owns 400 acres of good land. In 1850 he was
elected bailiff of Polk County, and held the office until 1864, when the
military governor, Andrew Johnson, removed all the officers, but he was
re-elected to that office in 1870, and was elected chairman of the county court
for over five years. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a Democrat.

Amos Ladd, a well-known and enterprising
agriculturist of the Third District, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., August
18, 1814. He is the tenth of fourteen children born to Amos and Anna (Stone)
Ladd. The father was born in Ireland about 1763, and came to America with his
father when quite young, locating first in Virginia, shortly afterward in South
Carolina, then in Bedford County, and from there moved to Marion County, Tenn.,
where he remained thirty years. He then went to Polk County, and finally Bedford
County, where he died in 1847. He received an excellent education in Virginia.
He was a Democrat and a prosperous farmer. The mother was born in England, and
came to Virginia with her parents. They moved to South Carolina, where she was
married. She was well educated, and a member of the Baptist Church. The subject
of this sketch had no educational advantages, as he was compelled to work very
hard when young, but he has a great deal of practical, useful information, and
is a keen observer. On May 18, 1837, he married Nancy, daughter of William and
Jane Pettit, who is of German descent, born in Surrey County, NC, February 24,
1818. To this union, four children were born. Our subject first settled on the
Conasauga River, and discovered the famous Ladd Mineral Springs, now known as
the "Minnewauga Springs." He built the first hotel at that place. After living
there thirty-three years, he sold out and purchased his present farm, which
contains 470 acres. He is a much esteemed citizen, a Master Mason, and a
Republican. He served as sergeant in the Seminole war in 1834 and 1835, and was
captain under the old militia law.

Frances M. Luttrell, a well known citizen of
Benton, and high sheriff of Polk County, was born May 29, 1846, in McMinn
County. He is a son of Hugh F. and Louisa S. (Bounds) Luttrell, both of whom are
of Irish descent, and natives of Knox County, Tenn. The father was born about
1815, and remained in his native county until 1845, when he went to McMinn
County, where he lost his wife. He moved to Polk County, and lived several years
with our subject. His last days were spent in Monroe County, with his daughter,
Mrs. Sarah J. Ranis. He died February 2, 1885. He was a farmer, and a
Republican. His wife was born about 1812, and died in McMinn County, December
25, 1876. Both were members of the Methodist Church, and raised a large family
of children. The subject of this sketch received a good education in his native
county, and for some time was a farmer. In December 1872, he came to Polk
County, where he has since resided. Until his election for high sheriff, in
August 1884, he was interested in agriculture. Since that date his attentions
have been given to the duties of his office; and he discharged them in so
satisfactory a manner that in August 1886, he was re-elected. Although the
Democrats of the county have the majority of 200, Mr. Luttrell, who is a
Republican, has twice defeated the Democratic nominees. He is universally known,
and popular. On September 10, 1871, he married Miss Maggie T. Jarvis, who was
born in Monroe County, March 12, 1845. To this union four sons and three
daughters have been born, Mr. Luttrell is not a member of any church, but a firm
believer in the Bible and the Methodist faith.

Isaac Nicholson was born in Monroe County,
Tenn., November 30, 1830, the son of Isaac and Rebecca (Penry) Nicholson. Both
were of English descent, and natives of South Carolina, were married in their
native State, and lived in South Carolina after their marriage several years,
but spent the remainder of their days in Tennessee and Georgia. The father died
at the age of about seventy-five, in Union County, Ga., about 1853. The mother
died in 1860, in Monroe County, Tenn., at about eighty years of age. The father
was a farmer and a old line Whig, and both father and mother were members of
the Missionary Baptist Church. Our subject is one of thirteen children. He
secured a good education in youth, in McMinn County. In 1848 he came to Polk
County, and has resided here ever since. In 1871 he purchased a farm of 145 acres.
Our subject has been an active business man. In 1882 he was duly elected trustee
of Polk County, and re-elected in 1884 and 1886. He is a Republican, and a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. On March 4, 1849, he married Miss
Helen M. Howell, born in Polk County, September 30, 1829. This union has
resulted in the birth of ten children, eight sons and two daughters; two sons
being dead. His wife is a member of Missionary Baptist Church.

William A. Prince, Sr., was born in Haywood
County, N. C., January 22, 1829, and is the son of Ephraim and Lucinda Prince.
The father was born in South Carolina, and died in Polk County, Tenn., November
16, 1867. He came to Tennessee at a very early date, but moved to North
Carolina, then back to Monroe County, and afterward to Polk County, settling on
the Ocoee River. About 1841, he moved to Ducktown, and remained until his death.
His occupation was that of farming. He was very successful in business. Lucinda
(Stillwell) Prince, the mother, was born in North Carolina, and died in Polk
County, Tenn. She was a member of the Baptist Church. Our subject was the second
of six children. He had poor school advantages in his youth, but has been a
close student since. He was an infant when his father came to Tennessee, and
about 12 years of age when he moved to Ducktown. He worked on his father's farm
until July 15, 1850, then married Jane Hayes, who was born in Monroe County,
Tenn., about 1832. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and the daughter of
James and Rebecca Hayes. Our subject's union has resulted in nine children:
Martha J., Rebecca L., Mary C., James W., John M., William A., Minerva C.,
Ephraim L., and George C. Shortly after marriage he began taking contracts to
furnish the Ducktown copper mines with wood and coal until the beginning of the
war, when he enlisted in Company A, of the Forty-Third Tennessee Infantry,
Confederate service, and was elected second Lieutenant. He was in active service
until the fall of Vicksburg. he was wounded while in an engagement with
guerillas. He came home and began to take contracts, until October 1875, then
moved to his present location, and turned his attention exclusively to farming,
but before moving to Ducktown he was elected constable. After the war he was
elected Justice of the Peace, and held that office four years. He is a member of
the Baptist Church, and is a Master Mason and a Democrat.

Jesse Rymer is a native of Polk County, and was
born October 10, 1839, the son of Eli and Catherine (Milton) Rymer. The father
was of German descent, but it is not known what descent the mother was. The
father was born in Buncombe County, N.C., about 1819, and died in Polk County in
1877. The mother was born in Bradley County, Tenn., about 1820, and died in her
native county, at Cleveland, about 1870. The parents were married in Bradley
County about 1838. The father was by trade a blacksmith, with which he
associated farming. He was a Democrat, and a member of the Missionary Baptist
Church. The mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject
is the oldest of two children. He secured a good education in his youth at
Benton, Polk County, and after completing the same, he was for three years
engaged in teaching school. Afterward he gave his attention to farming. About
1861 he purchased and settled on a farm in the Fifth Civil District, Polk
County. In 1862 he entered the Confederate States service, enlisting in Company
B, Sixty-Second Tennessee Regiment., Confederate States Army, served with credit
over one year in the field., and was made a prisoner of war at Vicksburg in
1863; was paroled, came home, and resumed farming, which he has followed since.
From 1867 to 1879 he had several teams of wagons on the road, freighting copper
and goods to and from Ducktown. In 1882, he was duly elected to the office of
circuit court clerk of Polk County, and moved his family to the town of Benton
the same year, and from that date he has been a resident of Benton. In the
latter part of 1883, in partnership with W. M. Clemmer, he established a store of
general merchandise at Benton, and has since that time engaged in the mercantile
interest in connection with farming, and the firm is still Rymer & Clemmer. In
September 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Dorinda A. Cloud, a most
excellent lady and a native of South Carolina. The union has resulted in two
children: Minerva, born June 1, 1864, and Fannie, born October 5, 1867. Our
subject is a Democrat, and he and his wife are worthy and consistent members of
the Missionary Baptist Church.